2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Michigan
[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 44 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students.
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2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Michigan
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
Delta College earned the #1 spot for value among parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools in Michigan. Set in the rural area of University Center, Delta College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, while out-of-state students pay about $7,880. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $14,075 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $37,342. Set against $14,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Macomb Community College, which ranked #2. Macomb Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Warren. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Students borrow a median of $9,862 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Macomb Community College generally make around $38,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Oakland University earned it the #3 place for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,972. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Oakland University earn a median of $54,785 early in their careers. Set against $25,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants.
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Students borrow a median of $19,135 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $42,490 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%.
Lake Superior State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Sault Ste Marie, Lake Superior State University is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $14,890 in tuition and fees. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $22,429 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $47,910. Set against $22,429 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Michigan Technological University landed the #6 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $20,091 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $64,652. That is a strong return on a $20,091 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Wayne State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $45,568. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Saginaw Valley State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of University Center, Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,930 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,450 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $30,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Saginaw Valley State University generally make around $31,021. Set against $30,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Central Michigan University landed the #9 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Central Michigan University is a large public school located in the town of Mount Pleasant. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $36,910. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants.
Grand Valley State University landed the #10 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,300 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Grand Valley State University generally make around $29,913. Set against $26,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
Albion College earned the #11 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Albion, Albion College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,950. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Albion College generally make around $30,314. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Albion College admits about 81% of applicants.
Eastern Michigan University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Students borrow a median of $26,894 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Eastern Michigan University generally make around $34,499. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
Siena Heights University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Siena Heights University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Adrian. Students from in state pay about $30,778 in tuition and fees. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $25,790 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Siena Heights University generally make around $52,293. That is a strong return on a $25,790 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
Madonna University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Madonna University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Livonia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,440. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,896 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $56,984. Set against $26,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Madonna University admits about 63% of applicants.
Northern Michigan University landed the #15 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the town of Marquette, Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,322 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,944 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $24,604. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $22,185. Set against $24,604 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Western Michigan University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $35,152. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.
Aquinas College Michigan ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Grand Rapids, Aquinas College Michigan is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,218. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Aquinas College Michigan earn a median of $27,301 early in their careers. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Aquinas College Michigan admits about 90% of applicants.
Michigan State University came in at #18 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,788. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $37,257 early in their careers. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Rochester College came in at #19 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Rochester College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,196. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Rochester College generally make around $45,617. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Davenport University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the suburb of Grand Rapids, Davenport University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $24,466 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,000. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Davenport University earn a median of $34,380 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Spring Arbor University earned the #21 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the rural area of Spring Arbor, Spring Arbor University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,014 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $28,268. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $53,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
Adrian College earned the #22 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Adrian, Adrian College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,684. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $36,808. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Olivet College placed #23 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the rural area of Olivet, Olivet College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $34,068. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $29,578. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Olivet College generally make around $24,879. That is a strong return on a $29,578 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
Cornerstone University placed #24 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Cornerstone University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Grand Rapids. In-state tuition and fees average $23,000. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $27,327. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Calvin College earned the #25 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Calvin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $39,350. Students borrow a median of $24,833 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Calvin College earn a median of $26,309 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,833 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Rest of the Top 28 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies:
More Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Rankings
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 44 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 18 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
